There are markets almost every day within easy driving distance. These include Tournon d’Agenais (Sunday mornings and a night market on Monday evenings in July and August), Valance d’Agen (Tuesday), Lauzerte (Wednesday and Saturday), Montcuq (Thursday and Sunday – main day), Montaigu de Quercy (Thursday and Saturday), Moissac (Saturday and Sunday one of the largest locally). Evening/night markets offer variation, often with live music, dancing and a wide range of street food and wine/drink.

One of the great pleasures of the region/area. There is a wide choice to suit every budget. A list of local recommendations is contained in the Guest Information Folder.

There is a tennis court in the village of Masquieres which is an easy 5/10 minute walk from the house. The court can be booked in advance if required.

There are a number of easy and longer walks from the house and there are maps in the house with other local routes.

There is local fishing available and permits can be obtained at the Tourist office in Lauzerte

The rivers offer excellent canoeing trips, with the River Lot to the North and the Garonne to the South.  There are a number of companies that offer some great day trips.

There are bicycles to hire in Montaigu de Quercy

There are riding stables in Lauzerte

(10 mins/4 miles) It is possible to drive to the top of the village but if you are feeling energetic it is more pleasant to park below the village and walk up the streets and steep steps that take you up to the top of the village. The views over the Boudouyssou valley and The Quercy blanc are outstanding. When you reach the village a short medieval street quickly takes you to the Place des Corniers, the historic centre of the village. This charming central square is surrounded by half  timbered  houses above arched stone arcades.

(14 mins/9 miles) Founded in the 12th century and a site for the castle on the hill built by Raymond of Toulouse to defend the region against attack by Richard the Lionheart from the West. The old centre is dominated by a traditional central square where the original defensive walls of the castle can still be seen. Market day is on Saturday.

(33 mins/19 miles) Once surrounded by a fortified wall with six towers and eight gates the historic centre of the town is situated between two of these old gateways, the Porte de Paris and the Porte de Pujols, which are easily spotted as you approach the town.  The two gates are classified as historic monuments. The centre of the town is now largely given over to shops and a pleasure to explore. The main street of Rue de Paris runs between the two towers and the main shopping street of Villeneuve-sur-Lot and on to the Place Lafayette. Place Lafayette is the main square of Villeneuve and is surrounded by arcaded shops. The market is held on Tuesday and Saturday mornings and takes place in the Covered Market Hall just down from the Place Lafayette on the river.

(40 mins/25 miles) A large and quintessentially French medieval town bounded on 3 sides by the River Lot. The magnificent Pont Valentre is one of the finest medieval bridges in existence. Now world famous for its wines from the area the town is a bustling centre of commerce and interest. Markets are held on Wednedays and Saturdays.

(31 mins/19 miles) A lovely small bastide town, founded by the Count of Toulouse in 1241, set along the top of a small hill and now officially included among the ‘most beautiful villages of France‘. Most of the houses are built using the local light stone of the region. The Place des Cornières is one of the smallest and best preserved central squares in the region which adds to its charm and intimacy. Many of the shops and cafes have traditional wrought iron signs representing their trade and adding to its authentic medieval feel

(22 mins/13 miles) A pretty medieval village with steep narrow streets. A stronghold for Richard the Lionheart and his burial place. There are an attractive collection of craft shops and a good choice of restaurants

(50 mins/29 miles) At its centre is one of the great abbeys of France and the market (on Sundays) combines well, as also to eat out in one of the bars/restaurants around the abbey

(50 mins/30 miles) is a popular destination. A charming town, classical buildings, small streets full of interesting little shops, some fun clothes and shops and an excellent covered market open every day.

These towns and the cities of Bordeaux and Toulouse are cultural treasure troves but the local bastide (fortified) villages scattered around the area are an enduring source of interest and pleasure. Most are perched on hilltops, land marks with commanding views often in past times occupied for long periods by the marauding English. Notable churches and abbeys are scattered all about the surrounding Quercy country.

is the last of the great fortified castles to be constructed in France on a rocky outcrop between the rivers Thèze and Lémance. A huge firework display takes place here towards the end of July each year

A by product of these jewels is an appreciation of the wonderful pigeonniers scattered about. Little buildings of great charm, ornament, status and, in their day, purpose

There are a choice of vineyards in the area where tastings are held and purchases can be made. Chateau de Chambert, Lamartine and Clos Triguedina are all within half an hours drive

There are a number of 9 and 18 hole golf courses at within an hour’s drive. These include courses near/at  Villeneuve Golf and Country Club at Castenlaud de Gratecambe (18 hole) where there is also an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and a restaurant in the club house). Also at Casteljaloux, Marmande, Agen and Sauveterre (Golf des Roucous). There is a challenging 18 hole course at Villeneuve sur Lot

There is an excellent tourist office in Lauzerte